The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition in the United States that recognizes high school students for their exceptional academic performance. It is based on the scores from the PSAT/NMSQT, a standardized test that measures critical reading, math, and writing skills. Students who score in the top percentile are eligible for various scholarships and awards. The program is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and offers several types of scholarships, including National Merit Scholarships, Corporate-sponsored Scholarships, and College-sponsored Scholarships. These awards help students cover the costs of higher education and encourage academic excellence.